Arizona-ASU Game 18: Arizona's passing attack powers win over Tempe in 1941

For Tucson football fans, the 1941 matchup with Tempe offered an early example of the passing game becoming Arizona’s most dangerous weapon. The Wildcats traveled to Tempe on Oct. 25 and returned with a 20 to 7 victory over their bitter state rivals, extending their winning streak to four games and earning their third Border Conference victory. The result also gave Arizona a clear advantage in the rivalry’s long history, a series that now stands at 52 wins for the Wildcats, 46 for the Sun Devils and one tie.

The game was the first meeting between the schools in four years, and interest was intense. An overflow crowd of 12,000 watched the Wildcats control much of the night, even as the contest became increasingly rough. When the final whistle arrived, Arizona supporters tore down the goal posts. Hundreds of Tempe fans then charged onto the field, apparently trying to recover them, and the stadium lights went out as the celebration turned into a chaotic, milling confrontation.

Arizona’s advantage came primarily through quarterback and passer Wild Bill Smetana, whose accuracy repeatedly exposed the Tempe defense. The Wildcats completed nine of 20 passes for 183 yards, compared with seven completions for 122 yards by the Bulldogs. Arizona also gained 201 yards from scrimmage to Tempe’s 88 and held a 12 to 9 edge in first downs. Only in punting did Tempe hold the statistical advantage.

Smetana made his biggest impact in the second quarter. His most memorable play was a twisting, 57 yard run straight through the middle of the field, carrying him to the Tempe 18 and setting up Arizona’s first touchdown. The drive briefly stalled when Singer lost four yards on a sweep attempt and the Wildcats were pushed back 15 yards for holding. Smetana responded by finding Hank Stanton with a pass at the 10 yard line. Stanton then crossed the goal line standing up. Jack Irish missed the extra point, leaving Arizona ahead 6 to 0.

The Wildcats struck again a few minutes later after Barnes Parker and Stanton blocked a quick kick by Tempe standout Al Onofrio. Seabiscuit Singer followed with a 12 yard run through the middle, and Smetana then delivered a touchdown pass to Rapid Johnson at the five. Johnson bowled over Ybarra on his way into the end zone, and Irish converted the extra point for a 13 to 0 lead. The play was built around deception, with Stanton drawing three defenders toward the right side and leaving Johnson room to finish the drive.

Although Arizona controlled the first half, Tempe responded forcefully after halftime. Coach Dixie Howell’s defending conference champions moved 65 yards downfield, combining Onofrio’s power running with Bernie Vitek’s passing. Vitek found end Bob Lackey for a 34 yard touchdown, then kicked the extra point to cut Arizona’s lead to 13 to 7. The drive put pressure on the Wildcats, but it also prompted an immediate answer.

Arizona moved from its own 35 yard line by combining passes, laterals, power runs and a trick play. The decisive score came on a double reverse that moved from Smetana to Stanton and then to Banjavcic for an 11 yard touchdown. Irish added the extra point, restoring the 20 to 7 margin and effectively ending Tempe’s comeback hopes. Arizona nearly added another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but a pass from Smetana to Banjavcic over the goal line was nullified because officials ruled Smetana had not been at least five yards behind the line of scrimmage when he released the ball.

Johnson, who had been shifted from right halfback to quarterback at the start of the week, played an especially important role. He handled punts reliably during the first half, directed the offense effectively, defended against the pass and tackled with force. Arizona relied on a small group throughout the game, using only seven substitutes. Johnson, Banjavcic, Parker, McCain and Irish played all 60 minutes, an indication of the physical demands placed on the Wildcats in a game described as rough from beginning to end.

Smetana completed four of six passes for 112 yards during the first half alone, while Stanton’s receiving and blocking helped create the difference between the teams. Tempe’s best players included Onofrio and Vitek in the backfield, along with Lackey, Luckett and Green on the line. For Arizona, McCain and Irish were praised for their line play, while Parker performed capably at left tackle after replacing the injured Joe Peggs. Petropolis, Ashcraft, Taylor and Clubb also provided important work, and Stanton, Morse, Vail and Mallamo delivered the forceful play on defense that disrupted Tempe’s runners.

The 1941 victory became the 18th game in the rivalry’s series and part of the larger history leading toward the 100th meeting between Arizona and Arizona State. The schools have not played every year, which is why the upcoming contest represents the 100th head to head matchup rather than the rivalry’s 100th anniversary. For Tucson fans, the old game remains a reminder that Arizona’s success in this series has often depended on more than raw power. In 1941, Smetana’s passing, Stanton’s versatility and a defense that held firm after Tempe’s best charge carried the Wildcats to a decisive win.